PRESS RELEASE
The ALGRA GROUP from Merenschwand (Switzerland) develops and produces customized input systems for a wide range of applications under the name AGNOSTIK TOUCH according to the motto: meeting the highest hygiene requirements, protection against vandalism and attractive keyboard design.
What are the issues and advantages of agnostic input technology?
The front panels consist of a closed, weatherproof and waterproof surface made of aluminum, stainless steel, wood, plastic or glass. A user can therefore touch the front panel countless times without any signs of wear. It has no dirty edges. In practice, experience has shown that the keyboard is initialized with gloves of all kinds, pencils, etc. - in the food industry even with butcher's gloves. The product can be used to its full extent in wet conditions, is protected against vandalism and meets the highest hygiene requirements. A long service life is also guaranteed by the fact that there are no moving parts and therefore no wear and tear. The button arrangement can be freely selected, taking into account the minimum distances. Installation is extremely simple: the self-developed IC module with the electronics (specific ultra-sensitive force sensors) is simply attached to the back of the front panel using self-adhesive tape. The feel of Agnostik Touch is strongly reminiscent of a touchscreen monitor such as those found on smartphones, tablets etc., with Agnostik sensors measuring the finest surface bending when the buttons are touched. In order to obtain haptic feedback, agnostic sensors are combined with vibration motors so that they vibrate as soon as the keystroke is detected. This is also the case, for example, with the home button and individual functions on smartphones.
Agnostik demo and developer kit as an excellent starting aid
According to the manufacturer, anyone with a real keyboard project practically always buys the demo and developer kit. The 500 francs are definitely worth it. The case contains a USB stick with instructions and the demo software Design Studio (Windows) developed by the manufacturer. It also includes a demo module with visual, acoustic and haptic feedback and three identical 4-button agnostic modules with VHB adhesive for self-assembly. A 3N actuator for calibrating the buttons, a stamp for pressing the circuit boards in the area of the sensors and all the necessary connection and adapter cables complete the picture. This means that the new customer can get started immediately without any problems. The ultra-sensitive force sensor (based on strain gauges) is used to measure pressure. On the PC, the Design Studio software graphically displays various characteristic curves for pressure strength (in milliNewtons) in analog and digital form. The button that is pressed in each case indicates the highest value in the graph and the relationship to other measured values must be correct.
Who are the agnostic customers according to experience?
They are widely spread. Wherever attributes such as vandalism, hygiene or design are important, Agnostik Touch is used. Vandal resistance, weather resistance and hygiene are required for ticket machines, parking ticket keyboards, wet room controls and in trains. In the case of water and bathroom fittings, it is the tightness and flawless function in connection with water and dirt that make the difference. Design aspects are also in demand: our customers often choose Metal Touch, a finish behind stainless steel or aluminum, for aesthetic reasons. Hygiene and operation with gloves are essential for medical and laboratory equipment. And Agnostik is a force touch: the key input can be designed to be pressure-dependent. This opens up countless new, original functions for developers. An impressive international reference list proves the success of the Agnostik concept.
Pictures:
Touch recognition is easier than ever before thanks to the Algra Group's agnostic input technology.
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The Algra Group consists of the brands Algra, gravuretec, connect tec and Trimada and employs around 100 people at its sites in Merenschwand, Erlach and Wohlen. It is a major international manufacturer of input systems, high-quality fronts, enclosures and signs as well as software and hardware. Trade products in the same product segments round off the portfolio.